Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Jahlani O.
I’m doing what I was born to do… Nobody told me to become a fashion designer. Nobody told me to become this creative that I am today. This is all God work. This is what is destined for me, feel me? This is my story. Read more >>>
Jacqueline Filasky
I loved this question so much, it made me pause and reflect. Am I walking a “path,” or am I wandering one? Honestly, I think I’m exploring, following my gut forward, trying my best to listen to both my heart and my brain as I learn what it means to build and run a small business. Read more >>>
Key Vhani
Yes. I have something I like to call my ‘artist mode’, but for the most part my brand and image is still me. Just more on a surface and creative level. When I became serious about being an artist I wanted an image that still represented me. Read more >>>
Latonia Smith
90% most get to see the real Tonia the real Tazzs the poet the real Promoter, the real Arthur. only 5% get a gotten. To see me in pain. A space I hide in not comfortable with. A life situation, not sure if it was meant or is my journey to speak for others in display through my poetry and writing. Read more >>>
Odalys Montero
One of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that worth can be measured by appearance or popularity. We’re sold the idea that success means fitting into a narrow box, with trends dictated by others. Social media adds to that pressure, making it seem like likes and followers define talent. That mindset erases individuality and devalues true creativity. Read more >>>
Javier Edwards
Industry voices: “People’s attention spans are dwindling.” I’m not convinced. It’s less that people can’t focus and more that they’re being served micro doses of sprint paced, algorhtmically curated content on platforms. It’s like serving someone who’s starving a million kernels of popcorn for breakfast lunch and dinner, instead of a single well-balanced, mindful meal. One plate at a time, over a course of time. Read more >>>
Nay Vino
That’s a very good question. I wouldn’t necessarily say it was fear, but I’ve finally decided to start recording music about two years ago. In that time, I’ve released a few singles to get a feeler out while simultaneously working on two albums. It’s been haunting me not to [pursue it], So I had to get to it! Read more >>>
Ben Everden
I’ve been taking on more creative direction and brand strategy work lately. It’s not something I was afraid of exactly. It’s just a big shift from showing up to shoot. The time commitment is real. And when you’re not in-house, it can be hard to keep the tone of voice consistent or make decisions that feel true to the brand. Read more >>>
Pierrejerry St Gelus
Suffering taught me resilience, humility, and empathy. These are lessons success could never give. Success shows me what’s possible, but suffering shows me what I am made of. It strips away illusions, grounds me in gratitude, and teaches me to value people and moments over possessions and titles. Read more >>>
GIOVANNA 🌍
Suffering taught me how to appreciate life more. Living in gratitude with consistency, you eventually get to the point that you’re even thankful for the suffering. It’s a reminder of the balance in life and how easily heaven and hell are a state of mind. Therefore, thanksgiving is everyday. Read more >>>
janis Danevics
When we are children, we’re often told that the key to success is simply to believe in ourselves and work hard everywhere. But reality teaches us something deeper: effort alone is not enough. Belief matters most when it is tied to a clear vision of what we want to achieve and change. The foundation of real transformation begins not with blind persistence, but with environment. Read more >>>
Jennifer Hardiman
I am an oldest daughter. So all of the stuff that comes along with that has been in my world. I truly believed that everything had to be perfect all of the time. After quite a bit of therapy and self-introspection and the support of my husband, I learned that isn’t true. I am much more progress over perfection now. Read more >>>
Keymah Reneé
I have two happy places; the beach and a studio session just for me. I love resetting at the beach, grounding myself and talking to God. Admiring the ocean and what God Created for us. Being in the studio feeds my creative hunger. I enjoy working with other artist and what not but I love being in there with just me or with the producer/engineer. Read more >>>
Lindsey Lamchick
My closest friends would probably say that I do too much and that I’m always busy. Some joke and ask if they should pretend to be interested in moving so that we can spend time together looking at houses. Read more >>>
Silvana Gonzalez
My closest friends would probably say that my family and my faith are what matter most to me. They know that I pour my heart into my loved ones and that my faith is what keeps me grounded, especially in the busy seasons of life. Those two things are truly the foundation of who I am. Read more >>>
Veronica Medina
I am committed through Blue Lavender Cafe to a healthy revolution in Miami. I would like the hotel guests and tourists in the area to know that you can have fun traveling, enjoy delicious meals and nourish your body at the same time. I would like Blue Lavender Cafe to be part of the community not only for the health/ fitness fans but for everyone. Read more >>>
Lonnie G
That we create our own reality through our imagination & mindset. First on an individual basis & then a collective basis. Science & Spirituality is more interconnected than we ever have thought. The left & right brain explains this. As a society we still have a lot to learn. But the consciousness of the world is evolving. Read more >>>
Vesenia Jones-Saintcyr
A defining moment in my life was losing my mom at such a young age. Growing up without her profoundly shaped the woman I am today. It taught me independence, the importance of never relying on anyone else to accomplish what I need, and reminded me that life is too short to take for granted. Read more >>>
LUNA Medina-Wolf
One of the most powerful and defining moments of my life was going through the emancipation process at the age of 16. I grew up in a home ruled by a father who could never be wrong. He was an emotionally and occasionally physically abusive man whose narcissism made everyone else the problem, especially my mother. Read more >>>
Carrie Bennett
There have been coaches, family and friends over the years that have seen and called out my ability and value in key moments throughout my life. In the avenues of sports, my artistic career, and spiritual walk, there have been influences that have called me higher and helped me to see my identity more clearly, allowing me to think bigger for myself. Read more >>>
Mariela Mastrangelo
Yes, my brother always listened to me, trusted my abilities as a professional, and encouraged me to take action and believe in myself. One day, he heard me on a radio show talking about movies and cinema in general, and he told me that I should pursue it professionally. Read more >>>
Tony & Maite from Pocket Of Lollipops
(T)It’s neat when someone listens to our lyrics, and can appreciate what we say in our songs since we do sing about friendships, misguided information, and living life through its gains and struggles. (M) We were waiting—silent, but expected. I remember gripping the bass, fingers curled with purpose, heart thudding in sync with the kick drum that hadn’t yet begun. Read more >>>
Olga Saretsky
Freedom from attachments and excitement for new discoveries. Read more >>>
Nikima Johnson
I would have to say miscommunication, lack of trust, unmet expectations, pride, and fear. When left unresolved people will become distance. But the only thing that can restore that is being vulnerable and expressing how you feel just being straightforward and honest. Read more >>>
Danielle DeMicco
Greed breaks a bond between people. Realizing you can not be successful alone can restore them. Read more >>>
Jay Lawrence
Disloyalty breaks bonds between people by eroding trust, safety, and mutual respect. When someone acts disloyally—betraying confidence, acting against shared values, or prioritizing self-interest at the expense of another—they undermine the emotional foundation of the relationship. Trust, once broken, makes people question the sincerity and stability of the connection, often leading to distance, resentment, or even permanent separation. Read more >>>
Laura Keoroglian
that there’s not only one future. in fact, the time dimension is no as we observe, is not linear, is simultaneous, it means that everything is happening at the same time. Our vibrational frequency, our thoughts and emotions attract the timeline you match with Read more >>>
Silvia López
When I tell people I write children’s books, they don’t often realize how difficult it is. They think that because the books are short and the language simpler than some books for adults, that children’s authors can grind them out at a fast pace. In reality, the opposite is true. Read more >>>
King Sunni
I think a lot of people D E E P L Y struggle with just being true to themselves, I also don’t think thats much of a secret . its always super easy to spot a cut and paste personality/persona- whether it be what they like or how they’re feeling ‘lifestyle’ . Read more >>>
Torenzo Gann
Pick one or more: broken relationships, health issues, guilt/regret about choices made, or being a victim of physical or emotional abuse, battling an addiction to alcohol, or other drugs, gambling, or pornography. The world is perilous; however, men, women, and children can overcome these challenges IF they choose to. Read more >>>
Michael Butler
I believe that people are truly struggling with trying to be themselves . You’re given a name at birth , but that name doesn’t define you , what defines you is who you choose to become and being true to yourself . Read more >>>
Johnnysice andco
I believe the biggest misunderstanding about my legacy might be that it’s solely about success, status, or the material achievements of Johnny’s Ice & Co.i While those things are visible, what truly defines my legacy runs much deeper — it’s about love and compassion for the people I choose to surround myself with, and a fierce passion for nurturing skills and talents with genuine intention. Read more >>>
Amanda Linares
I know it might sound conventional, but the relationship that most shaped me was the one with my mom. I’ve spoken before, in Voyage Miami, about being raised by a single mother; an experience that was fundamental in becoming the person I am today. My mom was my first art admirer and the backbone of my artistic development. Read more >>>
Violetta Markelou
Authenticity means everything to me. In both my creative and wellness work, I try to create space where people can just be themselves—no pressure to perform or fit into a box. I’ve learned that real connection only happens when we’re honest, even if that honesty feels a little messy or vulnerable. Read more >>>
Jasmine Mckenzie
A cultural value I protect at all costs is radical care. In a world that treats Black trans lives as disposable, radical care is resistance. It means seeing each other’s humanity beyond what we can produce, perform, or provide. It means feeding someone before asking for their labor, listening before responding, and showing up even when it’s inconvenient. Read more >>>
Alisia Kifer
People of all ages love plants!!! Every interaction is a little different, that’s what makes it exciting! Part of the magic is tuning into your gut when you’re connecting with customers or clients. Trust yourself, have fun with it, and let your passion for plants shine through! Read more >>>
Partial Print
This is a tricky one, Joy comes in a few different forms and its not always there when you want it. For me accomplishing things and completing goals brings me joy. Making progress along the way towards those goals can bring joy too. Read more >>>
Dana Brillante
Right now, I’m learning from the life I’m living—both personally and professionally. As a mom of two boys and a soon-to-be wife, I’m constantly evolving and gaining perspective from the people closest to me. My sons teach me patience, resilience, and how to find humor in everyday chaos. Read more >>>
veronica pesantes
Joanna Rogers Macy, an environmental activist, author, scholar of Buddhism, and translator of my favorite poet Rilke. She is currently in hospice, and when recently passed, and do we have lost a truly wise elder. Her voice (you can hear her at the “On Being” podcast with Krista Tippet), is so comforting, engaging, prescient and beyond wise. Read more >>>
Randall Koch
All my students and clients I teach and train on a daily basis. Every time one of them has a unique question or a technical mistake that needs to be corrected, it forces me to figure out the correct answer or solution to the problem which makes me a better and more experienced instructor. Read more >>>
Monik & Hector Partigliani
Without a second thought. Because I give more than people expect. Achieving the extraordinary is our goal. Because every event is a new opportunity to create something new: light, ideas, images, and, above all, priceless memories for those who hire us. Read more >>>
Shereena Delgado
Would I hire me? Absolutely. I bring a rare combination of creativity, strategy, and execution. I don’t just have ideas I MAKE THEM HAPPEN. I’ve built multiple brands from the ground up, collaborated with major industry players, and consistently found ways to grow, adapt, and lead, even in high pressure situations. But beyond the resume & experience I bring heart. I’m purpose driven!! Read more >>>
